The 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship is currently the longest in the sport’s 74-year history. After 14 rounds spanning four continents, we have reached the summer break and it’s time to close the factory doors at Enstone and Viry-Châtillon for a fortnight.

 

 

The decision to halt operations is mandated by Article 24 of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations. It states that all competitors must observe two shutdown periods. The rulebook says the first one lasts for “a period of fourteen (14) consecutive calendar days during the months of July and/or August.” A second nine-day period comes into effect on Christmas Eve. During this time there must be no work on any performance-related F1 activity.

 

 

During the enforced closure, our team will literally ‘down tools.’ There are five key areas where each team — and also any suppliers — must not carry out any work. The rules mandate there must be no use of the wind tunnel, CFD simulations, production or development of car parts, test parts or tooling. There must also be no sub-assembly of car parts or assembly of cars. Finally, Article 24.2 (e) says there must not be “any work activity by any employee, consultant or sub-contractor engaged in design, development or production.”

 

 

As well closing the factory, it’s also prohibited to send emails or make phone calls about any performance-related work at home too. Our personnel put on their Out Of Office and the mobiles of our engineers, designers, fabricators and mechanics are set to Do Not Disturb. Pierre and Esteban are also free to spend time on the beach with family and friends… Thankfully, as the other nine teams must also adhere to the regulations, no one is at a disadvantage.

 

 

There are however, a few activities that may take place which will not be considered a breach of the regulations. It’s possible to carry-out maintenance of factory facilities, including IT networks. Plus preparation, loading and unloading of sea freight is also permitted, with the exception that it doesn’t relate to car components or assemblies.

 

 

Finally, Article 24.4 (i) does allow “any activity, the sole purpose of which is staff wellbeing or entertainment.” Unfortunately, marketing isn’t related to car performance, so our dedicated communications department aren’t technically enforced to close operations — but just to let you know, we will be on the beach too…

 

 

The enforced shutdown was introduced into the regulations for two reasons. The first is to help reduce costs in the budget-restricted era of Formula 1. Secondly, after 14 races, our hard-working crew need to enjoy some much-needed R&R. Many of our team have not stopped since we boarded the flight to Bahrain in late February and the hectic schedule and numerous back-to-back weekends will take their toll unless there is a break.

 

 

From August to December, there are more points to fight for across ten rounds in Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East. When our staff return, they’ll be suitably refreshed to tackle the second half of the year with a renewed vigour.